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Alderney has 3 designated conservation 'reserve' areas, the Longis and Vau du Saou nature reserves, as well as a designated Ramsar site. These sites are managed by the Alderney Wildlife Trust (AWT) on behalf of their owners, both private and States of Alderney, in order to ensure their long term protection.

Alderney's reserves differ dramatically and therefore require very different conservation techniques. The job of caring for Alderney's terrestrial reserves is that of the AWT's Reserves Officer and the Conservation Volunteers, whilst the Ramsar site is managed by the Seabird Ecologist and its own 'Ramsar' volunteer group.

It is important for those living within Alderney to remember that the island is part of something much bigger. Collectively The Wildlife Trusts (47 member Trusts) now manage more than 2,300 nature reserves, including the Longis and Vau du Saou Reserves here on Alderney. These sites range over all imaginable habitats - bogs, moors, mountains, ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, heaths, urban nature parks, caves, lakes, islands, beaches, cliffs and disused quarries and even include a Channel Island..

Around 100 of the nature reserves have visitor centres where you can find out more about the reserve and the wildlife it is helping to protect. These range from small wooden buildings to state-of-the-art eco-friendly visitor centres, complete with cafes and classrooms. Many also have shops where you can buy nature and wildlife goods and gifts.